Suction-operated liquid-feed device



' J. C. COULOMBE.

SUCTION OPERATED LIQUID FEED DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED APR.19=191-8.

1,408,801. Patnted Mar. 7, 1922.

2 SHEETS-$HEET I.

INVENTOR ig 722 50mm A'ITITORNEY' J. C. COULOMBE.

SUCTION OPERATED LIQUID F'EED DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19; I918.

Patented Mar. 7, 1922.

I n e k V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

I JOSEPH C. COULOMBE, 0F DRACUT, MASSACHUSETTS.

SUCTION-OPERATED LIQUID-FEED DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 7, 1922.

Application filed April 19, 1918. Serial No. 229,537.

dent of Dracut, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in SuctionOperatedLiquidFeed Devices, of which the following is a specification, theaccompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

The invention relates to devices of the type commonly known in the artas vacuum feed devices; that is, a device operated by an induced suctionfor raising a liquid from a .low level to a high level and distributingit to the engine or like device.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of thetype indicated, for supplying liquid fuel and for controlling themovement of said supply.

The particular objects are hereinafter set forth in the accompanyingdescription and claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a portion of aninternalcombustion engine and connections therefrom to the vacuum feeddevice.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the casing of the vacuum feed tank.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the device of Fig. 2 with parts broken insection.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the distributor.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the trap.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view through the circulating pump showing aconstant level chamber.

Referring to the drawings, E, indicates an internal combustion engine;V, the suction operated fuel feed or tank; C, the carbureter of theengine which delivers the carbureted fuel through manifold M, to theintake side of the engine.

The oil-circulating pump is denoted at O, and has an inlet connectingpipe 0, which extends to the sump through the motor casing, and anoutlet or distributing pipe line 0 which carries the lubricant to thevarious bearings of the engine in any well known manner.

R. denotes a radiator used in the watercooling system for the engine,the water being circulated through the jacket of the engine in wellknown manner by a circulating pump P.

S, indicates the fuel supply tank which is ordinarily located at alevellower than the feed device V, and carbureter C.

The supply tank S, is connected with the vacuum feed device V, through afuel line a.

The carbureter C, is connected to the vacuum feed V, through a pipe 0. a

8, denotes a suction connection from the vacuum feed V, to a distributorD.

s s denote suction connections from the distributor D, extendingrespectively to the manifold M, and to a low pressure point in theoil-circulating system, preferably the inlet side of the oil-circulatingpump 0.

lvhether the suction, for bperating the vacuum feed V, is induced bv themanifold of the engine, or a circulating pump. or other means connectedwith the engine is immaterialv so far as the detail of operation of thevacuum feed device is concerned. Certain advantages in the maintenanceof a proper degree of suction under all conditions of running of theengine may be secured by those connections hereinabove indicated.

As is well-known,there is a sub-atmospheric condition existing in themanifold of an engine, which varies in intensity as the throttle valveis closed. It is also true that a sub-atmospheric condition may beinduced in the oil-circulating system, the intensity of which varieswith the speed of the motor and circulating pump. It follows that, withthe engine operating on open throttle and at high speed, there iscomparatively little suction effect induced at the manifold, but thereis an increased suction efiect produced by the circulating system.

Advantage may be taken of these conditions by utilizing the connectionsindicated in conjunction with the distributor D.

This so called distributor has a main chamber (Z, which connects withthe suction connection 8. Suitable check valves d, d control openingsfrom this chamber d, to the respective suction connections s 5 With thisarrangement, whichever suction predominates in intensity will re-actthrough the chamber 0!, and suction connection 5, to

cause the necessary sub-atmospheric condition in the vacuum feed V; and,of course,

if the suction is substantially equal in both of the suction lines s 8both of the valves d, d will open so'that the combined suction iseffective in the chamber (5, and its connection 8.

The degree of suctionin the liquid-cirrulatin system may be modifiedwithin reasonable imits by restricting the flow to the in- -let side ofthe circulating pump, as indicated, and locating the suction connection.9 between said point of impedance and the on" culating pump. Thisarrangement permits of arranging for a definite degree of suction at theslowest speed of the circulating pump.

In Fig. 6, a form of circulating pump is illustrated with means foradjust-ably restricting the inflow to the pump and with means formaintaining the pump in condition for producing suction immediately uponrotation of its parts. The inlet opening t, is controlled by a valvemember t, mounted upon a stem 2?, so arranged that the restricting valvet, maybe set to cause a greater or less restriction at the inlet opening1%.

The pump, as illustrated, is of the gear or lobe type of well knownconstruction. having the rotary members a, a. Arranged in the casing ofthese members, there is a chamber 01' wall m, which will always maintaina level of liquid suflicient to immerse the rotary members u, a. Inorder to prevent siphoning back of the liquid from the chamber a anipple u, may be formed at the inlet side of the chamber so that theflow by siphon effect will be broken as soon as the level of liquid inthe chamber a falls below the end of the nipple u.

Ordinarily, in circulating pumps, there is an interval upon starting thepump when little or no circulation takes place. In fact, the pump mustbe brought up to a considerable speed before it will create suflicientsuction to circulate a liquid. This is largely due to the fact that theliquid forms a pack ing for the pump; and when the pump is not inoperation, the liquid drains back and destroys the packing efl'ect.

In the arrangements illustrated. a d raining back of the liquid to thepump will insure the filling of the chamber if. It follows that therotary members of the pump are immersed and packed in the liquid sothat, upon initial rotation of the gears or lobes of the pump, suctionwill be created to draw up liquid through the inlet connection 0', andcreate a suction in the suction line 8 The vacuum Feed device V, whichis opera-ted by a suction however induced in the Suction line 8,consists essentially of an operatingor suction chamber 1, enclosed bv acasing 2; a llqlllCl seal chamber 3, having a casing 4, chamber 3 andeasing 4 arranged within the operating chamber 1); a distributingchamber 5, having a casing 6, within which the casing 2, telescopes; andvalve devices and connections, as hereinafter defined.

Upon the top of the casing 2, there is a manifold 7, to which the fuelconnection .9, and suction connection 3 lead. This manifold consists ofa block having a connecting nipple 8, and union 9, which secures the end10, of the fuel pipe 8, in place. The connecting nipple has a bore of"sufiicient size to receive the tubular strainer 11, whichmay be securedto the end of the fuel pipe 8. This bore extends into a verticalopening12, closed by a priming cap 13. The latter gives access to the interiorof the chambe 1, tor the purpose of filling same.

The vertical opening 12, connects withthe rasing 2, and there is a valveseat 14, and a valve 15, co-operating therewith to shut off the flow offuel to the chamber 1, at predetermined periods i The manifold is alsoprovided with a suction connection 16, which opens into the liquid sealchamber 3. Intermediate the suction connection 16, and the suctiondistributor I), there is a trap casing 17 provided with a valve 18,operated by a floatli).

The valve 18, controls a valve opening 20, and cuts off suction of thesuction line .9, whenever liquid rises into the chamber of the trap andraises the float 19,

It will be noted that the float is arranged in a vertical chamber andthat the suction line 8', is connected above the chamber, while thelower end of the chamber is connected through the nipple of the suctionconnection 16. In this position, the trap will always be self-drained.The float 19, and valve 19, prevent fuel being drawn over into thesuction line 8'.

The suction connection 16, opens into a vertical chamber 21, of themanifold 7, and communicates with the liquid seal chamber 3, through avalve opening 22, preferably formed in the end of a guide tube 23,having a perforation or suction opening 24:, within the chamber Theguide tube 23, serves as a guide and support for a float 25, and has avalve stem 26, secured at itslower end to the float and moved thereby tocontrol the valve opening 22.

The float is arranged to move within the tubular casing 4, of the liquidseal chamber 3. and is provided at its lower end with a baflle 27, whichprotects the lower edge of the casing 4. V i

The float 25, through a pivoted lever 28, and valve stem 29, controls avalve 30, which serves to control a valve opening3l, which is the onlysourceof communication between the operating or suction chamber 1, andthe distributing chamber 5.

The valve 30, has a central perforation and a beveled valve-seat 32,against which is normally seated a ball valve 33, which is adjustablewith reference to the valve stem 29.

This ball valve 33, is opened by the first movement of the float 25, inorder to permit said float to operate the large valve 30, an opening ofwhich permits the liquid of the chamber 1, to fall by gravity into thechamber 5, as soon as the relative pressures of the chambers 1 and 5,have sufficiently equalized. The chamber 5, is subject to atmosphericpressure owing to the loose connection between the telescoping walls 2and 6. In other words, there is no seal between the walls 2 and 6, andtherefore the chamber 5, is under normal atmospheric pressure.

The valve 15, has an extended stem 15, which rests upon the lever 28, ora cam plate 28, secured thereto. This valve 15, is held in open positionduring the closed position of thevalve 30, and closes in the directionof flow of liquid to the chamber 1, as the float 25, rises and opens thevalve 30.

The liquid seal chamber 3, has a connec tion from its upper end to apoint below its lower end, which connection opens into the chamber 1,and is illustrated herein as a tubular member 34. This connection servesto break the liquid seal of the chamber 3, whenever the level of liquidin the chamber 1, falls below the lower end 35, of. the connection 34.

The telescoping casings 2 and 6, permit of the use of astrainerbetweenithe bottom of the chamber 1, and the outlet ofthedistributing chamber 5. 7

As illustrated, there is an annular rib 36, in the interior of thechamber 5, which supports the chamois strainer 37, the. latter beingheld in place by a suitable ring' 38. This arrangement serves as aconvenient means for thoroughly straining all fuel which passes throughthe distributing chamber 5, as it may be readily removed and cleansed byslipping the inner casing 2, out of the casing 6. The lower end of thecasing 6, is provided with afltting 39, with a connecting opening 40,for the pipe connection c. It is also provided with a drain plug 41,which has a valve 42, closing an opening 43, in the bottom of thecasing.

' The valve 42, is arranged upon a reduced end of the plug 41, which isprovided with a transverse opening 44,. communicating with a verticalopening 45. This arrangement permits a partial turning of the plug 41,to open the valve 42, whereupon the chamber 5, may be drained throughthe plug.

The operation of the device is as follows: Suction is induced throughthe suction connection 8", and, with the valve and valve mechanism inthe position shown,-fuel will be drawn into the chamber 1, until itreaches the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3.

It will then continue to rise in the liquid seal chamber 3, withoutrising in the operating chamber 1, until the float 25, becomessufliciently buoyant to operate the valve 30. Thereupon, the suction-inthe chamber 1, will be sufficiently neutralized to permit the liquid ofsaid chamber 1, to flow by gravity into. the distributing chamber 5,andthis flow will continue until. the level in the chamber 1, fallsbelow the end 35, of the connection 34. Air will then be admitted to theliquid seal chamber 3, breaking the partial vacuum existing therein andpermitting the contents of the chamber 3, to fall with the float 25. Thefloat in this movement closes the valve 30, and the operation isrepeated. When the float 25, rises to its full height, it cuts off thesuction by closing the valve opening 22.

It will be observed that with this arrangement there is a distincttiming in the operation of the valve mechanism. The float will not riseto open the valve 30, until after the level in the chamber 1., hasreached the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3, and risen in thesaid chamber 3, to a point to make the float 25, buoyant.

The first movement of the float, as it becomes buoyant, opens the valve33, thus reducing the degree of vacuum in the chamber 1. An increase ofpressure in this chamber 1, immediately drives the'liquid higher in thechamber 3, and the float breaks open the valve 30, with a snap or quickmovement and, thereupon, the suction opening 22, is closed by its valve.7

The float 25, will remain in its uppermost position, holding the valve30, open until the partial vacuum in the chamber 3, is broken by openingthe lower end of the connecting tube 34, to the pressure condi tions ofthe chamber 1. This will only occur when the liquid has fallen below theend of the tube 34, and, until such time, the float 25, remains buoyantin the liquid of the chamber 3, and held under partial vacuum which isgreater than that of the chamber 1.

It will be apparent that as soon as the bottom of the chamber 3, issealed by the liquid, the rise of level in the chamber 3, will be muchmore rapid than that in the chamber 1, thus insuring operation of thefloat 25, and valve 30, and the flow of liquid from the chamber 1, tothe chamber 5, before there can be any flooding of the chamber 1.

ith this arrangement, definite levels may be maintained during theoperation'of the device and liability of flooding of the chamber 1, isobviated, as there is a suflicient time period allowed for insuring theoperation ofthe float without unduly raising the level in the chamber 1.Furthermore, there is little liability of the valve 30, closing untilthe chamber 1, is completely drained. It follOWs that measuredquantities of liquid maybe delivered by the chamber 1, to the chamber 5,thereby obviating dilliculties heretofore existing in vacuum feeddevices.

It will be observed that when the liquid rises in the chamber 1, itseals the lower edge of the liquid seal chamber 3. It is obvious thatthe connection 34, may be made in any desired manner, so long as theupper portion of the chamber 3, is connected with the lower portion ofthe chamber 1, thereby maintaining'a lower vacuum in the chamber 3, thanexists in the chamber 1, until the contents of the chamber 1, hasdrained into the chamber 5. f

While the suction connections for producing vacuum have been illustratedin conjunction with the oil circulating system and pump of the engine,it is obvious that any circulating system employed on the engine mightbe used. There is an advantage, how- 7 ever, in employing the oilcirculating system as it gives an immediate indication to the operatorwhen the oil fails. This, of course, is a safeguard against overheatingof the engine, as failure of the circulating system would cause a lossin suction "with open throttle condition of the engine and no fuel wouldbe fed to the carbureter.

What I claim as myrinvention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a fuel feeding device,a suction chamber,-a float and valvemechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber,

a liquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism and sealed by a rise ofliquid in the suction chamber, and a connection between the liquid sealchamber and the suction chamber, said connection being controlled by therise and fall of level of liquid in the suction chamber.

2. In: a fuel feeding device, a suction V chamber, a valve and floatmechanism con- I trolling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, aliquid seal chamber controlling said mechanism and sealed by a rise ofliquid in the suction chamber, and a connection between the liquid sealchamber and the suc tion chamber, said connection being closed H andopened by the rise and fall oflevel of liquid in the suction chamber andthereby controlling the action of the liquid seal 7 chamber upon thevalve and float mechanism.

3. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a-liquid seal chamber,the latter opening at its bottom to the former and adapted to be sealedby a rise of liquid in the suction chamber, a valve and float mechanismcontrolling the action of the suction chamber and the level of liquidtherein, and means for breaking the seal of the liquid seal chamberafter the level of liquid of the suction chamber has been lowered belowthe bottom of the liquid seal chamber.

4. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a valve and floatmechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, aliquid seal chamber opening into thesuction chamber and adapted to besealed by rise of level of liquid in the suction chamber, asuctionconnection communicating with the liquid seal chamber, nd meansfor neutralizing the suction of the liquid seal chamber after the levelof liquid in the suction chamber has dropped below the sealing level ofsaid liquid seal chamber.

5. In a fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a valve and floatmechanism controlling the level of liquid of said suction chamber, aliquidseal chamber opening into the suction chamber and adapted to besealed by rise of level of liquid in the suction cham ber, a suctionconnection communicating with the liquid seal chamber, a valvecontrolled by the float mechanism for opening and closing said suctionconnection, and meansfor neutralizing the suction of the liquid sealchamber after the level of liquid in the suction chamber has droppedbelow the sealing level of said liquid seal chamber.

6. In a fuel feeding device, a suction cham-.

ber, a distributing chamber open'to atmospheric pressure, avalve-opening between said chambers, a valve controlling said openingand admission of air to the suction chamber and the flow of liquid'fromsaid chamber to the distributing chamber, a float controlling saidvalve, a liquid seal chamber surtom to the suction chamber, and aconnection from the upper portion of said liquid seal chamber to thelower ortion of the suction chamber through whic connection therelativepressures of the liquid seal chamber and the suction chamber areequalized. V

7. In a liquid fuel feeding device, a suction chamber, a distributingchamber open to atmospheric pressure, a valve-opening'between saidchambers, a valve controlling said opening, a valve seated in said firstnamed valve and adapted to reduce the suction of the suction chamber, afloat controlling both valves, a liquid seal chamber controlling saidfloat, said chamber opening atv casing member, an interior casingmember, sald members telescoping one within the other, a fuel supplytank and means for producing suction, a connection connnunieating withthe fuel tank and interior casrounding said float and opening at itsboting, a connection communicating with the 7 interior casing and asource of suction, a

terior casing, a flange extending about the interior of the exteriorcasing, a ring-fitting said flange, and a strainer supported be tweensaid ring and flange.

10. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pumpdriven by the engine for circulating liquid, and pipe connections forsaid pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding device,employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, asuction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side ofthe circulating pump, and means for restricting the flow of liquid tothe inlet side of said pump.

11. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pumpdriven by the engine for circulating liquid, and pipe connections forsaid pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding de vice,employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, asuction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side ofthe circulating pump, and adjustable means for restricting the flow ofliquid. to said pump.

12. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having a pumpdriven by the engine forcirculating liquid, and pipe connections forsaid pump through which liquid is circulated; of a fuel feeding device,employing suction for moving fuel for distribution to the engine, asuction connection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side ofthe circulating pump, and a restriction interposed in said systembetween the intake connection of the pump and the suction connection ofthe fuel feeding de vice.

13. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven bythe engine for circulating liquid, pipe connections for said pumpthrough which liquid is circulated, a well providing a constant level ofliquid for the pump, a fuel feeding device for the engine employingsuction for moving fuel for distribution thereto, and a suctionconnection from said fuel feeding device to the intake side of thecirculating pump.

14. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven bythe enlated, a well providing a constant level of gine for circulatingliquid, pipe connections for said pump through which liquid iscirculated, a well providing a constant level of liquid for the pump, afuel feeding device for the engine employing suction for mov ing fuelfor distribution thereto, a suction connection from said fuel feedingdevice to the intake side of the circulating, pump, and means forrestricting the flow of liquid to the well.

15. In combination with an internal combustion engine, a pump driven bythe engine for circulating liquid, pipe connections for said pumpthrough which liquid is circu- 8O liquid for the pump, means forpreventing I siphoning of the liquid from said well, a fuel feedingdevice for the engine employing suction for moving fuel for distributionthereto, and a suction connection from said fuel feeding device to theintake side of the circulating pump.

16. In a fuel feeding device, having a suction chamber, a suctionconnection for said suction chamber, and a trap interposed in saidconnection, said trap having a float controlled valve for closing thesuction connection.

17. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having acarbureter, a lubricating pump, connections from the carbureter to theintake side of the engine, and connections for the pump through whichlubricating oil is circulated; of means for restricting the flow oflubricant to said pump, means for feeding fuel to the carburetercomprising a suction feed device, having a suction chamber, a suctionconnection from said chamber to the intake side of the engine, and acooperatively related suction connec- 5 tion communicating with thesuction'chamber and with the oil pump, said connection being madebetween the said restriction and the circulating mechanism of the pump,a

fuel connection for the suction connection from said chamber bureter. 1

18. The combination with an internal combustion engine, having acarbureter, a lubricating pump, connections from the carbureter to theintake side of the engine, and connections for the pump through whichlubricating oil is circulated; of means for feeding fuel to thecarbureter, comprising a suction feeding device having a suctionchamber, a suction connection for said chamber, a trap having a floatcontrolled valve arranged in said suction connection, a distributorcommunicating with the suction connection, a valve controlled connectionextending from said distributor to the intake side of the engine, avalve controlled connection extending from said distributor to theintake side of the lubricating pump, a fuel connection for the suctionchamber,

chamber, a 110 to the cara connection from said chamber to thecarbureter.

19. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, amanifold mounted upon the exterior of the chamber, horizontally disposednipples extending from said manifold, a chamber formed in one of saidnipples, a strainer tube extending into said chamber, means forconnecting a fuel pipe to said nipple, means for connecting a suctionpipe to the second of said nipples, and connections from said nipplesthrough the manifold to the suction chamber.

20. In a device of the character described, having a suction chamber, amanifold mounted upon the exterior of the chamber,

horizontally disposed nipples extending from said manifold, achamberformed in her, and a priming plug closing an opening in said manifoldand a chamber closed by said priming plug though communicating with thechamber containing the strainer.

JOSEPH C. COULOMBE.

lVitnesses:' p P WARREN AfBi-snoP, CLEMENT Mam).

